Slide switches for Peco point operation

unravelled · April 27, 2023

Over the years my layout has been in constant reconstruction, I have come up with some designs for manual point operation, using dpdt slide switches.

My first attempt was a variant of the common arrangement, with the operating rod connection using a hole drilled through the slider. Not eally much new here, except that the omega loop substitute is part of a relay clip.

One of the issues I found with this basic version was adjusting it to get the throw just right, so I came up with this design, which I think looks neater, and is easier to adjust. It also was suitable for positioning further from the point. In this version, I had a faceplate which could be screwed down, which the switch was fixed to. Spacers held the switch away from the faceplate allowing an operating slide to fit round the switch slider. A section of choc bar connector allowed easy adjustment of the operating rod length.

Yes, a lot of my offscene track is screwed down. I may fix it with pva once yhe layout is certain...

These have worked well but I thought I could improve on them. The latest version is essentially a 3d printed redesign giving a direct drive which turned out to be nice and compact. I've only used this on code 100 points, as it is really only meant for off scene areas. As made, it might be a bit tall for code 75fb , unless the track is on cork. As well as allowing a choice of position for the assembly, the double headed actuator plate is reversible to allow a choice of how the movement of the switch affects the path set. In my case moving the switch in the toe to heel direction changed the points from normal to reversed. The unused side can be trimmed off if space is tight.The straight slot was to allow for a hold down screw, but this hasn't seemed necessary. The operating slots have been given plenty of play, as the intention was to nudge the spring over centre, and allow it to do the work as designed.